We offer diagnostic imaging here at Dumfries Animal Hospital to allow a more thorough evaluation of your pet. We have the ability to take digital radiographs in-house as well as abdominal ultrasound.
Radiographs, commonly called x-rays, provide a 2-dimensional view of internal organs and bones. While we can often radiograph fully awake pets, some pets will need a light sedation if they are stressed or very active. In coughing pets, radiographs can show patterns that may indicate conditions like collapsing trachea, pneumonia, heart failure, and lung cancers.
This radiograph of a dog shows an enlarged heart and fluid in the lungs, indicating congestive heart failure.
There are many reasons to take abdominal radiographs. Some vomiting dogs may have eaten a foreign object, and x-rays can show gastrointestinal obstruction. Cats who have not defecated may need radiographs to confirm constipation. Straining to urinate is a reason to look for a urinary stone blocking the urethra. Some abdominal tumors can also be seen with imaging. In pregnant pets, radiographs allow us to count how many puppies or kittens will be expected.
Radiographs taken for limping can show osteoarthritis, bone fractures, bone tumors, dislocations, and joint swelling. They can help guide treatment to be more effective.
This radiograph was taken several weeks after surgery to assess healing. This dog had a torn cranial cruciate ligament (an ACL tear) that was treated with a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).
During dentistry, taking oral radiographs allows us to assess your pet’s teeth fully. Conditions like tooth root abscesses, bone loss, and tooth resorption may not be visible on exam, but can be seen with radiographs. Because the imaging is digital, it allows us to send images to a specialist quickly to get their input when necessary.
Ultrasound allows us to examine the abdominal organs much more closely, and find subtle changes that would not be visible on radiographs. We can see things such as changes in liver texture or loss of layering in the intestinal wall. At Dumfries Animal Hospital, we are able to do a limited localized ultrasound scan for many conditions. For dogs and cats needing a full abdominal ultrasound, we work with a mobile ultrasound service, MiVU DC, who can provide this specialized care. They provide us with a full report and are able to offer tumor biopsies when recommended. They also perform echocardiograms, an ultrasound of the heart that diagnoses heart disease.
